10 Traditional Indonesian Dishes to Eat

Spicy, flavourful and uniquely delicious – sounds too good to be true? With over 17,000 islands (of which around 6,000 are actually habitable), Indonesia is home to a wide variety of incredible culinary traditions and flavours. From it’s salads to desserts, we invite you to uncover the taste of Indonesia on a gastronomic adventure with these traditional dishes you just have to try!

Gado-Gado

Find it in: Jakarta

In need of a light and healthy meal for lunch or dinner? Gado-Gado is what you should opt for! As a traditional Indonesian mixed salad, you’ll find everything from vegetables and eggs to tempeh and tofu to enjoy. If you need any additional ingredients, you can always add-on your choice of meats, rice crackers and more. Just be sure that you get an extra dollop of the heavenly peanut sauce that brings it all together.

Rendang

Find it in: Padang, West Sumatra

Rendang is a signature meat dish hailing from Minangkabu. Usually comprised of slow-cooked beef (you might have heard of beef rendang before) that has been cooked for several hours in a coconut milk and spice mixture, this is an all-time favourite thanks to its luscious, rich flavour.

Sate Madura

Find it in: Madura Island

A traditional Indonesian dish served in the form of skewers. Originating from the island of Madura, you’ll usually find chicken or lamb pieces, that have been grilled, lining these moreish sticks. Served alongside a sweetened soy sauce (for the lamb) or peanut sauce (for the chicken), you won’t be able to stop at just one skewer.

Tahu Campur

Find it in: Lamongan, East Java

Tahu Campur is known as being a super flavourful and traditional mixed tofu soup. While you might come across a number of variations of this dish throughout the region, a typical East Java version will feature a sumptuous beef broth laden with fried tofu, vegetables, bean sprouts, noodles, sambal and fried cassava.

Ikan Bakar

Find it in: Jimbaran Beach, Bali

Love yourself a bit of barbecue? Then you’ll love Ikan Bakar! This is a popular dish in Indonesia that highlights a flavourful barbecued fish - which is served with rice and dipping sauces. It’s unique preparation is what makes this grilled fish a tourist favourite, as it is seasoned with a variety of vibrant spices (think chillies, soy sauce, turmeric, galangal and more) and wrapped in a banana leaf in order to save the fish from drying out while cooking.

Rawon

Find it in: Banyuwangi, East Java

Also referred to as “Black Beef Soup” for the dark hue of the broth that features in this stew, Rawon is a dish unique to it’s origins in East Java. Consisting of beef that has been slow-cooked alongside lime leaves, lemongrass, ginger and chili, this soup certainly has a kick of flavour that you won’t be able to resist having more of. Intrigued by what makes the broth base so dark? That’s because of one key ingredient: buah kluwek, a fermented black nut that gives the dish its earthy flavour and unique colour.

Mie Aceh

Find it in: Aceh, Northwest Sumatra

If you’re craving a hearty meal where you can slurp up some noodles, then Mie Aceh is for you. This is a noodle dish that you can enjoy either in its fried or soup-based variety. In addition to the generous serving of yellow noodles that you’ll indulge in, you can usually find it served alongside some delicious accompaniments: beef, lamb or seafood and a variety of fresh vegetables.

Ambon Soto

Find it in: Ambon

Soto is a traditional Indonesian soup, and many variations can be found throughout the country. However, the variation that we’re focusing on today is Soto Ayam Ambon! This particular variation is a chicken soup dish, with a broth that has been coloured and flavoured with turmeric. Pairing amazingly with rice, your tastebuds will be totally enthralled by the range of spices incorporated throughout: ginger, galangal, garlic, lemongrass and more!

Rojak Kuah Pindang

Find it in: Bali

Want to level up your salad game while travelling through Indonesia? Then you need to get those adventurous tastebuds a taste of Rojak Kuah Pindang. This creative twist on a traditional fruit salad sees the addition of a fish broth that the fruits are soaked in, alongside a plethora of spices for an added kick of flavour!

Nasi Timbel

Find it in: Bandung, West Java

If you’ve had your fill of Nasi Goreng and are looking for another rice-based dish you can sink your teeth into, then give Nasi Timbel a try. This is yet another traditional Indonesian rice dish you’ll most likely fall in love with, as it features rice wrapped and cooked in banana leaves. Typically, it is served with chicken and lalaban (a variety of raw vegetables like lettuce, cucumber and green eggplant) alongside a generous dollop of spicy sambal.